Friday Fragments: “Maggies Goes on a Diet”

For a period of time, I was convinced that our new address was only forwarded to utility companies. As delightful as you might think it is to open the box to a new bill, I really disagree. I much prefer things of a happier, less “give me your money” nature.

That’s why I was so pleased today to come home from class to find not one, not two, but three awesome parcels of mail.

First up were my brand new, ultra-cool business cards, which I ordered from Vistaprint.

I know if someone else had these, I would be all like, “Dang, girl. Why you so cool?”

Next was an invitation to one of my best childhood friend’s weddings. She came all the way to Kansas for mine, so I’m going to try my hardest to get to Michigan in October!

Finally, there was a big package addressed to us from our wedding photographer. It could only mean one thing…

Crazy to think that I have my album before most newlyweds even have their pictures back from the photographer. Just goes to show how awesome she was!

I will admit, though, it was pretty tough to go through the hundreds of pictures and choose out my few favorites. We are just sonice to look at.

Now, for some other news…

Friday Fragments: “Maggie Goes on a Diet.”

I look back fondly on the bedtime stories that my mom used to read my sister and me. “Goodnight Moon,” “The Growing Tree” and “Corduroy” were a few of our favorites.

Imagine if “Maggie Goes on a Diet” was also on that list…

That’s right: Author Paul M. Kramer’s newest book, aimed at children between the ages of 6-9, is about a self-conscious little girl who decides to — you guessed it — go on a diet. I can’t make that kind of ridiculousness up.

Understandably, the book, which will be released in October, has already sparked controversy.

Reportedly, the storyline is of a young girl who finds comfort in food. After being harassed at school and called a “fatty,” she decides to lose weight. To deal with it, she learns more about healthy eating and exercise. Eventually, the pounds come off and she goes on to be a soccer star. Hooray, hooray.

To me, what’s most distressing about the book is the imagery. I hope to never, ever see a young girl with such low self-esteem — even if she is a cartoon on the front of a book. Instead, I think we need to send children messages and information that will boost their confidence.

I also disagree with the use of the word “diet.” Maybe Kramer lives under a rock, but “dieting” generally has a negative connotation. I don’t even think it should be part of a child’s vocabulary.

All I think the word does is incite people — especially under-informed young people — to be extreme about weight loss. Although that is an opinion, there seems to be some evidence backing it up: Eating disorders in children under 12 have risen 119 percent in the past decade, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The only redeeming quality of the book appears to be the messages about healthy eating and exercise. I do think those concepts can be taught to children in positive ways. However, saying that this book “misses the mark” is an understatement.